If you've ever come by the famous Tavern restaurant at River Valley, you may have noticed the quirky "art gallery" right beside.
From the first moment you walk in, you'll be greeted by a whiff of essential oils that slows your heart as you enter. If you've already made a reservation, a smiling Japanese stylist will escort you to one of only 3 seats in the entire salon - 1 in the private VIP room and 2 in the common area. With only 3 seats, you won't even get a chance to bump into many other people - offering you the ultimate privacy.
Convenience too as every seat is fitted with a individual wash basin so you can enjoy the entire hair service without needing to move an inch.
These are just a few examples of how the founder of S.A.D's Hair Design Aki thoughtfully incorporated your needs into every single element in the salon.
In case you did not know, S.A.D's is actually founder Aki's fourth salon venture and the first outside of Japan. His first two, Switch and Diptych rose to fame within Kansai prefecture for their focus on defying the typical "natural" Japanese style. Instead of the usual browns, Aki is one of the first to introduce vibrant hair colours, ombre and balayage to Japanese customers. Aki therefore counts many musicians and fashion-forward trend-setters looking for magazine-worthy hairstyles as his customers.
Just look at his personal instagram and you'll know what we mean.
The focus at S.A.D's Hair Design is however not just about creative colours. Believing that art is about cleverly achieving the balance between style and individuality, Aki gathered top Japanese stylists Mayu and Shuji for one purpose: Remake and help customers see a different side to themselves.
What you can expect here is not a complete 180 degree change but for the stylists to cleverly design a hairstyle that incorporates your personality, your lifestyle and your dressing.
That's especially true for Mayu whose fluency in English make it a breeze for us to just talk to her about our fears, dressing style and even dream hairstyle. This makes it easier for us to go to her even for challenging graduated bob haircuts as we can tell her exactly the length and style we're comfortable with.
Beyond her technical expertise, we love how Mayu doesn't just accept what we say but gives her professional opinion on what colour to match with the haircut and even the optimal hair length.
(Isn't the dusty lavender simply gorgeous?)
Don't be surprised if she invites you to stand up in front of the mirror as she takes extra steps to check the best hair length that flatters your figure and your face.
Love curls? Check out Shuji's DigiAir perm if you're looking forward to wake up with curls like this in the morning.
Knowing how important it is to toe the balance between style and femininity, Shuji makes sure that his perms create waves rather than curls. This way, it adds volume and not hassle to his customers - many of them high-flying working professionals.
With their differing expertise and personality, Aki, Mayu and Shuji each bring something special to S.A.D's Hair Design - making this one of our most unique Japanese salon experience ever. S.A.D's is also one of the few Japanese salons where all its stylists have more than 10 years of experience in hairdressing and have spent more than 4 years in Singapore. This means that they're not only highly skilled - they know what we Singapore ladies are looking for. With one to one service from start to finish where you don't even have to leave your seat for a hair wash, a hair service here feels all the more personalised. With stylists that are technically more competent and an exclusive experience at similar pricing to other salons, we feel that a hair service here is actually more value-for-money than other equivalent Japanese salons.
If you're working in the area or love to come by Mohamed Sultan for a meal, this is the hair salon you definitely should not miss!
P.S. If you love the intimate yet trendy vibe of S.A.D's Hair Design, don't forget to check out The Fluxus House, their new collaboration with stylists at Bump Hair design over at Outram Park. Fluxus House is a Japanese Hair Salon cum Art Gallery that is simply gorgeous; you can also make appointments with Aki over there!
(For Colour, Perm & Treatment) without Other Services +$30 Color, Perm menu Director Aki +70
Loves
- Personalized service by Japanese hairstylists from start to finish
- Those who've tried Aki know that his haircut and colour are simply AWESOME!
- Japanese stylists here specialize in vibrant hair colouring techniques
- Unique Decor with a minimalist feel, combining both art and nature for a contemporary feel
- You don't have to leave the seat at all even for hair wash as the wash area can be moved directly to your seat
- Location is easy to get to via Fort Canning MRT
Not-So-Happy-With
- Prices are higher than the usual hair salon
- No receptionist or reception area
Amazing hair cut
I am always in awe simply watching Aki-san cut my hair, he is very skillful. His haircuts not only could transform you, give you new lease of life, they also allow you to uncover your many other selves. Each & every haircut is different, with each haircut comparable to an exquisite artwork. As I am typing, I am on my way to Aki-san. A lot have happened the past week, so I need a haircut to make me happy, to "restart" life again. Best hairstylist(I have been to a lot of Japanese salons before) in my opinion, Aki-san, hands down. (Review not yet veriried)
This review represents the subjective opinion of the Beauty Undercover reviewer and not of Beauty Undercover.
Simply awesome
Always delighted with the outcome of the hairstyle I requested to Shuji san. Would not hesitate to recommend him or the hair salon to anyone. (Review not yet verified)
This review represents the subjective opinion of the Beauty Undercover reviewer and not of Beauty Undercover.
Exceptional Hair Care Experience
Mayu-San has been taking care of my hair for the last few months when she was at BUMP. Mayu-San is very professional and my experience with her has been very positive. I would highly recommend Mayu-San for hair cuts and hair spa!
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Simply the best!
Mayu is an amazing hairstylist! Very experienced and skilled, she’s great with my hair. I’ve been going to her for rebonding and cut and the experience is always wonderful ?? If you’re looking for a new style or a haircut, check this salon out!
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Amazing experience
Shuji has been my go-to hairstylist for a few years now, every time I get a haircut from him it's really refreshing and the hair spa is always top quality! Always willing to accommodate to my requests and feedbacks, I will continue to visit whenever I need a haircut!
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The best
Shuji always gets my haircut just the way I want it to be without needing to explain in great detail. Did not have to leave my seat for hair wash/treatment/payment. Good experience!
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Hair design by Mayu
My most trusted hair stylist Mayu recently went over to S.A.D’s and I followed her over to this new space for my hair design. The salon space has a minimalistic and artistic vibe. While the space is small, I really enjoy how personal and cosy it is! Also interesting how the the hair wash basin kinda comes to you, instead of you having to move to a separate wash area. This time round, I did a digital perm first before doing an inner colour that involves bleaching. Mayu has always made me feel comfortable and confident while trying a new hair style. Her attention to details and friendliness also makes me feel that both me and my hair are well taken care of. I’m loving the resulting curls and color. Highly recommended, and I look forward to going back again!
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Great experience
Was googling for a good salon to do my hair rebonding as my hair is coarse/hard to control time and chemicals. Shuji was able to understand how I want me hair done (I do not want my fringe to be flat) and delivered just as what I wanted. The experience is great and I like it when your hair stylist is the same throughout the session for hair rebonding. I had experiences before where the hair stylist needs to jog between clients and in the end resulting my hair to be overdone. Strongly recommend, feel it’s worth the price for a guaranteed result/smooth process.
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Shuji’s Digital Hair Perm
First off, I really really love the minimalist vibe of the salon and how cool it was that I did not have to get up from my seat to get a hair wash. My stylist wheeled over the portable washing basin after tilting my chair back. Real cool. I enjoyed the experience as Shuji was really patient in explaining every step of the process and I was aware of what he was doing the entirety. Afterwards, he also taught me ways to maintain the curls and guided me on how to properly blow dry them. Overall, I’m really impressed with the service and will definitely be back.
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Perming of hair
It was a really wonderful experience and the service was really good, the outcome of my hair was what I wanted and I left feeling satisfied; the hair stylist attending me was really friendly and made the whole entire experience comfortable
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Perm by shuji
Did my hair at S.A.D.’s hair design recently and I would say I really love the perm he did for me. Shuji is an experienced hair stylist as he gives good recommendation on what suits his client best without damaging their hair. Highly recommended!
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Great Experience
First time trying a digital perm. Shuji is very attentive and will explain the process of the perm as well as regularly check in to ask about the heat of the curlers. As my hair is quite dry, he also recommends tips on how to take care of it. Overall a chill and pleasant experience!
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Balayage highlights
Finally got the balayage highlights that I’ve always wanted. My stylist Shuji was very professional and efficient in helping me achieve my dream hair.
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Chiffon pern
Love the chifforn perm by Shuji San. Love the texture and the softness of the perm which gives a very natural feel to it. Love the atmosphere, service and experience. ❤❤❤
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Colour transformation
First of all I’m so happy with my colour transformation. I visited Shuji, he is an excellent colorist. Very attentive and patient. If you have questions he will explain and give you some tips what to do and what not to do. Today, he coloured, trimmed and treatment. My hair is fuller now and healthy lustrous looks. I look forward to going back for more makeover!
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Super good salon.
This is my first time trying short hair. Aki san cut my hair The hair style was so amazing and same as my expectation. I must definitely recommend here!Super good salon. thanks
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It's a very nice
It's a very nice hair salon with a cool interior! Aki-He is very experienced and skillful and this treatment is amazing. Everyone should do it! I will definitely come here.
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Highly recommend
Aki did an amazing job for my hair colour! Highly recommend this place to get your hair done, Place is very stylish, clean and professional. thank you for everything
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Highly recommend
Aki amazing job for my hair colour! Highly recommend this place to get your hair done, Place is very stylish, clean and professional. thank you for everything
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good salon
This Salon is a relaxed and comfortable place. Special quality! thank you so much Yoshisan
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Best hairdressers
Aki and Yoshi are the best hairdressers that I have ever had! They are able to do awesome styles for both males and females!
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Good services
I love how detail Yoshi san is while doing my hair .. this place is awesome if you like personalized hair services.. you can also enjoy the interiors of the place so tastefully done .. highly recommend
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Amazing salon
Highly recommend this place to get your hair done, Yoshi did an amazing job for my hair color) Place is very stylish, clean and professional.The salon is easily accessible from fort canning
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Good salon
Have a good experience with the stylist Aki. He is very professional and cool. thanks
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Super good salon!!
tkanks Aki. I just want to tell you, I get more and more in love with my new hair cut that you done for me. I feel very happy!! Definitely will go to introduce my friends to you! Thank you so much.
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Good service
My hair cut with Aki His cut is very accurate and above expectations every time. Thank you as always.
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Good salon
Director Aki is good artist for me. I have been receiving a lot of praises from friends for my hair.This is one of the best salon in Singapore. thanks.
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Impeccable Service. Excellent Cut!
Such a quaint little place with impeccable Japanese standards of service.
Here, the stylist serves you thru-out the entire process of your service. No more busy stylists thinning their attention! Yoshi-san managed to save my previously terribly cut hair, and we had a good discussion on the colour that I'm contemplating to have.
Yoshi-san speaks really good english so rest assured he will be able to understand your needs. After looking for so long I think i found my next preferred stylist/salon. Thank you S.A.D's Hair Design.
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First visit to S.A.D.S
Absolutely love my hair cut and color by Aki San.
Professional and impeccable Japanese service. Spent 3 hours for cut, color and treatment.
The best thing of all, I didn't have to get up from my seat to get my hair washed.
I'm glad the consultation I had with Aki san was very thorough and I'm very pleased with the final look. I'm looking forward to engage Aki san in near future for my big day.
Arigatou gozaimasu!
Review approved by Beauty Undercover
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